Judge Denies Request to Release Homicide Defendant During Presentments

By Nick Pallotto [former] - October 16, 2023
Court | Daily Stories | Homicides | Presentments | Shooting | Suspects | Victims |

At an Oct. 16 presentment hearing, DC Superior Court Judge Eric Glover denied the defense’s request to release a homicide defendant.

Darrell Hinkle, 35, is charged with first-degree murder while armed for his alleged involvement in the death of 32-year-old Dajuan Blakney on April 21 on the 1500 block of 19th Street, SE. 

According to court documents, the Metropolitan Police (MPD) went to the reported location after being dispatched for the sounds of gunshots. Police found Blakney lying on the steps in front of a building. He was unresponsive and suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. 

According to MPD documents, a witness reached out to MPD and stated he was aware that Blakney and Hinkle had been “beefing” for a while. 

Another witness told MPD that a person named “Buck” was responsible for Blakney’s murder, according to court documents. 

Buck was later allegedly identified as Hinkle through Instagram accounts provided to police.

Prosecutors argued for Judge Glover to find probable cause, stating that there was surveillance footage that showed Hinkle shooting Blakney multiple times, which was described in the affidavit written by the lead detective. 

Prosecutors also asked Judge Glover to take into account Hinkle’s criminal history when deciding whether or not to hold him. 

Michael Bruckheim, Hinkle’s defense attorney, argued that his criminal history should not be taken into consideration because it’s not connected to this incident.  

Bruckheim requested Hinkle be released to home confinement with GPS monitoring. According to Bruckheim, if released, Hinkle could stay with his mother or significant other. 

Judge Glover denied the defense’s request to release Hinkle, deeming Hinkle a danger to the community. 

Parties are expected back for a preliminary hearing on Dec. 14 in front of Judge Michael O’Keefe.